Chicago White Sox mum on Roy Halladay, Hideki Matsui scenarios

INDIANAPOLIS — General manager Ken Williams offered a firm "no comment" Monday when asked if the White Sox were involved in the Roy Halladay sweepstakes.

Williams also declined to get into particular names when asked about any interest the Sox would have in free agent Hideki Matsui, a left-handed hitter who fits the profile they're seeking.

But manager Ozzie Guillen and Williams were more forthcoming in entertaining the probability that Carlos Quentin could move from left field to right field, with Alex Rios staying in center field.

That scenario would give the Sox more options as they move closer toward filling their roster at the winter meetings.

One case that seems to be narrowing is the return of leadoff batter Scott Podsednik, as Williams appears tired of slow negotiations that have lasted for more than two months.

As of now, the Sox's best option is new second baseman Gordon Beckham, whom Guillen would prefer to bat sixth or seventh.

"Obviously, we have roster spots to fill, and (Podsednik's) still out there," Williams said. "If he has a sincere desire both in terms of fit and dollars to match up, then it's time to get serious."

Williams intimated his options could expand as soon as Sunday.

"There will be some bats available after the tender date (Saturday), so you got a lot of options," Williams said. "Which road we'll travel down, I don't know. That's why we're here. We've got to let it play out."

During a session with national media, Guillen said Quentin would move from left to right as long as Quentin felt comfortable, adding that right is his natural position.

When asked point-blank about Matsui, Guillen said: "We got room for a lot of people. We need one more guy. It could be him. He has to show us he can play the outfield too."

But Matsui, 35, hasn't played left field since 2008 because he was recovering from knee surgery and relegated to designated hitter duty in 2009.

Guillen also prefers speed over a run producer, and Williams places a premium on defense. Matsui, the World Series MVP, is known more for his bat.

And there's the issue of money. The Sox have about $20 million left for the final 11 spots on their roster, and Matsui made $13 million last season with the New York Yankees.

"The one thing I've learned over the years," Williams said, "you start talking about a particular player, you either lead people down the wrong road inadvertently, or lead them down the right road and don't get the deal consummated."